ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Communications
USOF signs agreement with BSNL for high speed internet access to North Eastern States
For making available high qualityand high speed internet access tothe States of North Eastern Region of the country, Universal Service Obligation Fund  has signed an Agreement with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited  on 18.08.2021 for hiring of 10 Gbps International Bandwidth for Internet Connectivity to Agartala from Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited , Bangladesh via Cox Bazar/Kuakata.
Commenting on the development, Shri AshwiniVaishnaw said, “Citizens will get high-speed internet connectivity for better access to e-services in the North Eastern states.”
Under the Agreement,USOFwill provide financial support to BSNL for a period of three years for hiring the aforesaid International Bandwidth.The availability of high speed internet access willhelpthe citizens in accessingvarious e-services such as e-governance, e-education, e-health, e-commerce, e-banking, etc.
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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
KoPT takes Measures to cope up with Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Fani’
Kolkata, May 2, 2019
Kolkata Port Trust  has taken several precautionary measures to deal with the severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’. The KoPT authority has informed that the organisation is closely monitoring the movement of the cyclone. Besides issuing general alert, all ships in the docks both at Kolkata Dock System and Haldia Dock Complex have been issued specific advice to take precautionary measures. Five Coast Guard vessels and all operational crafts of the port have been provided safe berthing inside the docks.
This apart, ships from riverine jetties at Haldia and Budge Budge and also from Sagar and Diamond Harbour anchorages have either been put out to sea or shifted to docks. Two control stations have been opened with required facilities-one at Kolkata and other at Haldia. Liaisons have been kept with Director General, Shipping, Coast Guard and State disaster management stations.
It is also informed that shipping to KoPT will remain suspended from tonight till the storm is over. Inland Waterways Authority of India has also been advised to secure Bangladeshi vessels in safe area.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri holds bilateral meeting with his Iranian counterpart on the sidelines of SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Iran's Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics Brigadier General Mohammed Reza Gharaei Ashtiyani in New Delhi on April 27, 2023. The meeting took place in a cordial and warm atmosphere. Both the leaders emphasised on the age-old cultural, linguistic and civilizational ties between the two countries, including people-to-people connect.
Both the Ministers reviewed the bilateral defence cooperation and exchanged views on regional security issues, including peace and stability in Afghanistan. Further, the two Ministers discussed the development of the International North South Transport corridor to ease logistic problems to Afghanistan and other countries in Central Asia.
The Iranian Defence Minister is visiting Delhi at the invitation of the Raksha Mantri to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation  Defence Ministers’ Meeting, to be held on April 28, 2023.
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Department of Space
Cabinet approves Transfer of 10 In-orbit Communication Satellites from Government of India to M/s. NewSpace India Ltd.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the transfer of 10 in-orbit communication satellites from Government of India  to M/s.NewSpace India Ltd. , a wholly owned Public Sector Enterprise of GOI under the administrative control of the Department of Space.
The Union Cabinet has also approved increasing the authorized share capital of NSIL from Rs.1000 crore to Rs.7500 crore.
Transfer of these assets to NSIL will further provide the desired financial autonomy to the company to realize capital intensive programmes/ projects and thereby offering huge employment potential and technology spin-off to other sectors of the economy. This approval is expected to trigger domestic economic activity in space sector and increase India's share in the global space market.
The Space Sector reforms mandated NSIL to undertake end-to-end commercial space activities and function as a full-fledged satellite operator. NSIL functioning as a single-window operator will also facilitate the ease of doing business in space sector. NSIL Board will now be empowered to price the transponders as per the market dynamics and global trends in the Satellite Communication sector. NSIL is also authorized to offer and allocate capacity as per its internal policies and guidelines.
Special Service and Features
CHANGE OF POSTAL DELIVERY JURISDICTION
The postal delivery jurisdiction limit of Chennai Thiruvalluvar Nagar area has been revised. While the area is currently being Delivered the Letters from Velachery Sub Post Office , It has been announced that Here after the Letters will be delivered from Perungudi Sub Post Office .
The Department of Posts has requested the people of Thiruvalluvar Nagar area to use the postal code 600096. Major D. Divya, Senior Superintendent of post offices, South Division, Chennai City, said that this will come into effect from 10.06.2023 and the distribution limit is being revised with a view to ensure speedy and timely delivery of Letters to the public.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approves enhanced monetary limits for procurement of Drugs and consumables for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme 
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today approved the enhancement of the monetary ceiling for purchase of Not Available , emergent, lifesavings and essential drugs by 100% in all categories of polyclinics from Authorised Local Chemists . This will ensure easy & timely availability of medicines for ECHS beneficiaries. .
There have been various representations from the veterans regarding supply of medicines. The Government has already undertaken a series of modifications to procedures of procurement of medicines for ECHS beneficiaries. In all stations with ECHS Polyclinics, local medical stores/chemists are empanelled for supply of Not Available , emergent, life-saving and essential drugs on as required basis. The empanelled local medical stores/chemists are being done by a Board of Officers constituted by the Station Commander. Any expenditure above this limit will be approved by MD, ECHS. The CO, ECHS may re-appropriate the required funds from other ECHS Polyclinics, if required.
It may be seen that the Government on 25.03.2022 had already conveyed the sanction for reimbursement of cost of medicines and consumables, purchased from open market, not Available at ECHS Polyclinic/Authorized Local Chemist for a maximum period of 30 days from earlier 15 days at a time subject to the maximum value of medicines and consumables not exceeding Rs. 25,000/- each time under the general conditions and Rs. 75,000/- each time under the special conditions except in the case of Cancer Medicines where the maximum value of medicines and consumable would be Rs.5 lakhs each time from the earlier Rs.2 lakhs each time. This will be a big move towards making essential medicines available to the Veterans.
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Vice President's Secretariat
Newspapers and media crucial to protecting democratic ethos of the nation: Vice President
VP advises media to promote value-based journalism
Shri Naidu commends media’s role in popularising movements like Swachh Bharat
VP urges media houses to focus on agrarian issues, rural development and women empowerment
Participates in ‘Tunga Panduga’, commemorating the 40th Anniversary of weekly ‘Lawyer’ in Nellore
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today highlighted the crucial role of media in protecting the democratic ethos of the nation and urged the media to provide news and information in an objective and unbiased manner.
Participating in the 'Tunga Panduga' celebration organized in Nellore on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the weekly 'Lawyer', he expressed his concern over the degeneration of values in various fields, including journalism. He called upon the media to uphold high standards and promote value-based journalism.
Recalling the vital role played by newspapers during the freedom movement, he said that many leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, heralded social movements through magazines and newspapers. Today too, the media is playing an important role in building awareness among the people and cited how it transformed the Swachh Bharat campaign into a public movement.
Observing that media should always uphold the values of truth, integrity and accuracy, Shri Naidu said they should not succumb to other pressures. He urged media houses to focus on issues relating to agriculture, rural development and women empowerment. He suggested newspapers and electronic media to have some dedicated space and programming for agricultural issues.
The Vice President lauded the journalist fraternity who have worked tirelessly during the COVID pandemic and brought the much-needed awareness on COVID-appropriate behavior and the need to take vaccines. He paid tributes to journalists who lost their lives during the pandemic and conveyed his condolences to their families.
Launching a coffee table book, Shri Naidu lauded the founders and management of the 'Lawyer' weekly for their consistent and determined efforts in successfully running the newspaper for 40 years.
Shri Vemireddy Prabhakara Reddy, Member, Rajya Sabha, Shri Magunta Sreenivasula Reddy, Member, Lok Sabha, Shri G. Satheesh Reddy, DRDO Chairman, Shri Varaprasad Reddy, Founder-Chairman, Santha Biotech, Shri Srinath Reddy, President, Public Health Foundation, Shri Tunga Siva Prabhat Reddy, Editor, Lawyer weekly and others participated in the event.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 172.29 Cr
More than 46.82 lakh Vaccine Doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 97.37%
50,407New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 6,10,443
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 5.07%
With the administration of more than 46.82 lakh Doses  vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 172.29 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
This has been achieved through 1,92,76,398sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,99,129
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
99,25,930
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
38,43,355
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,84,04,547
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,73,65,848
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|
Precaution Dose
|
|
52,54,095
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5,16,76,693
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,34,05,389
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|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
54,75,07,850
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
42,46,10,572
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|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
20,15,06,600
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
17,58,88,520
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|
Over 60 years
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|
1st Dose
|
|
12,58,00,368
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
10,95,79,128
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
77,79,664
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|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1,68,77,114
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|
Total
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|
1,72,29,47,688
1,36,962 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,14,68,120.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 97.37%.
50,407new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 6,10,443. Active cases constitute 1.43% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 14,50,532tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 74.93 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 5.07% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 3.48%.
President's Secretariat
President of India to address the Annual convocation of IGNFA tomorrow
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will visit Uttarakhand on May 5 and 6, 2017.
On May 5, 2017, the President will address the annual convocation of the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy  in Dehradun. He will return to Delhi on May 6, 2017.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
India wins the International Electrotechnical Commission  Vice Presidency and Strategic Management Board  Chair for the 2023-25 term
India wins the International Electrotechnical Commission  Vice Presidency and Strategic Management Board  Chair for the 2023-25 term.
By securing over 90% of the votes cast by full members of International Electrotechnical Commission  during its General Meeting held recently in San Francisco, USA, India’s representative, a member of the Indian National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission  and various technical committees of Bureau of Indian Standards , was elected.
Representation of BIS  in policy and governance bodies of International Organization for Standardization  and IEC ensures that Indian viewpoints on the important strategic and policy matters are put forth and it also provides opportunities to align the national standardization priorities with International best practices.
BIS is continually expanding its international footprints by working on the growth mantra provided by the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumers Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal. Currently, BIS  is represented in various policy and governance bodies of International Organization for Standardization  and IEC such as ISO Council, ISO Technical Management Board , IEC SMB, IEC Market Strategy Board , IEC Business Advisory Committee , etc.
International Electrotechnical Commission  is an international standard setting body that publishes international Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. Standardization Management Board  is an apex governance body of IEC responsible for technical policy matters.
Shri Vimal Mahendru will be the IEC Vice President representing India.
Prime Minister's Office
PM remembers Subramania Bharathi
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has remembered Subramania Bharathi on his birth anniversary.
“Remembering the great Subramania Bharathi on his Jayanti. Respectfuly known as ‘Mahakavi Bharathiar’, he is a symbol of patriotism, social reform, poetic genius and indomitable sprit of freedom and fearlessness. His thoughts and works continue to motivate us all.
Subramania Bharathi believed in justice and equality above everything else. He once said, "If even one single man suffers from starvation, we will destroy the entire world.” This sums up his vision towards alleviating human suffering and furthering empowerment”, the PM said.
Election Commission
ECI to issue digital time vouchers to National & State political parties for campaigning on Doordarshan & All India Radio during elections
Allotment of time to political parties on All India Radio and Doordarshan during election will now be online. The Election Commission of India, has amended the existing scheme for the use of Government-owned electronic media by political parties. This has been done by introducing a provision to issue digital time vouchers through an Information Technology  platform. With this facilitation, the political parties will not be required to send their representatives to ECI/CEO Offices for collection of the time vouchers physically during elections. This step reflects the Commission's commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of the electoral process and ease of all stakeholders.
Recognizing the advancements in technology, the Commission has been providing IT based options for interface with political parties. Recently, the Commission also introduced a web portal for online filing of financial accounts by political parties with the Election Commission.
Background:
The scheme, which was initially notified on 16th January 1998, holds a statutory basis under Section 39A of the R.P. Act, 1951. It was formulated after extensive consultations with recognized National and State Parties and is aimed at ensuring equitable access to government-owned electronic media during elections for campaigning. Under this Scheme, an equitable base time is allotted to each National Party and Recognized State Party of the state concerned uniformly on DD & AIR and the additional time to be allotted to the parties is decided on the basis of the poll performance of the parties in the last assembly elections from the respective States/UT or in the last general Elections to Lok Sabha, as the case may be. The actual date and time during which the above telecasts/broadcasts will be made by the authorised representatives of any party is predetermined, by a lot, by the Prasar Bharati Corporation in consultation with ECI and in the presence of political party representatives.
The introduction of an IT-based platform for the processing and distribution of time vouchers to entitled political parties allows for a more efficient and streamlined process, enhancing accessibility and ease of use for the political parties.
Link of Order: https://eci.gov.in/files/file/15138-scheme-for-use-of-govt-owned-electronic-media-by-political-parties-during-elections-modification-of-scheme-%E2%80%93-para-6-sub-clause-iv-%E2%80%93-provision-to-provide-time-vouchers-through-it-platform-%E2%80%93-regarding/
Link of letter to National/State political parties: https://eci.gov.in/files/file/15140-letter-to-political-parties-digitization-of-time-vouchers-in-respect-of-broadcasttelecast-time-allotted-to-nationalstate-political-parties-during-election/
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
National SC-ST Hub Mega Event/Conclave to be held at Ahmedabad, Gujarat tomorrow
Member of Parliament & Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes, Shri Kirit Premjibhai Solanki will be chairing National SC-ST Hub conclave in presence of Shri Narhari Amin, MP, Rajya Sabha, Shri Kirit J.Parmar, Mayor, Ahmedabad, Shri Rakesh Shah, MLA, Ahmedabad, Shri Suresh Patel, MLA, Maninagar and other senior dignitaries on 28th September, 2022. The Conclave is being organized by the Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India to spread awareness of the National SC-ST Hub  Scheme and other Schemes of the Ministry. It will also be a time to interact with aspiring/existing SC-ST entrepreneurs, CPSEs, Industry Associations, lending institutions to enhance participation of SC-ST MSEs in public procurement.
MSME sector plays a significant role in terms of job creation and improving livelihood. Currently, it consists of over 6 crore units employing over 11 crore people, contributing significantly to economic growth with nearly 30% of contribution to GDP and more than 45% of overall exports from India.
For inclusive growth of the Indian economy, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India has launched National
Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe Hub  scheme. It is aimed at capacity enhancement and promoting "entrepreneurship culture" amongst the SC-ST population for enhancing their participation in the public procurement. It is being implemented by National Small Industries Corporation , a CPSE under the Ministry of MSME.
Given the impact of MSMEs on our economy, it is imperative that focused efforts are given to promote entrepreneurship amongst the youth and create a conducive ecosystem where they play an integral role in development of Indian economy to realize the 5 trillion USD economy.
Nurturing the MSME sector is important for the economic well-being of the nation. M/o MSME is consistently working to empower MSMEs for sustainable growth and to become compatible in the global value chain. State level conclaves will help the SC-ST MSMEs to expand their horizons by incorporating new ideas as they become aware of the various interventions given by the Government.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Favourable conditions for further advance of southwest monsoon into some more parts of Rajasthan, remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, most parts of Haryana and Punjab during next 24 hours
According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre/Regional Meteorological Centre, New Delhi of the India Meteorological Department :
• The, southwest Monsoon has further advanced today into remaining parts of Kutch & Gujarat Region and Madhya Pradesh, some parts of Rajasthan, Chandigarh, North Punjab, most parts of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and entire Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan & Muzaffarabad.
• The Northern Limit of Monsoon  passes through Jaisalmer, Pali, Sawai Madhopur, Mainpuri, Bijnor and Pathankot.
• Conditions have become favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon into some more parts of Rajasthan, remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, most parts of Haryana and Punjab during next 24 hours.
Current Meteorological Conditions
- A cyclonic circulation lies over northeast Rajasthan at lower tropospheric levels.
- Another cyclonic circulation lies over northeast Madhya Pradesh at lower tropospheric levels.
- A trough runs from northwest Rajasthan to south Bihar at lower tropospheric levels.
Forecast & Warnings
- Light/moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely over Western Himalayan Region and Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh and East Rajasthan during next 48 hours and intensity & distribution likely to decrease thereafter.
- Light to modearte fairly widespread to widespread rainfall activity with isolated heavy to very heavy falls also very likely over East Uttar Pradesh during next 4-5 days.
- Due to northward shift of eastern side of east-west trough across east & northeast India and convergence of strong southerly/south-westerly winds from Bay of Bengal over northeast & adjoining east India, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely to continue over northeast India, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim and Bihar during next 4-5 days. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is also likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim and Bihar during 25th-26th June and over Assam & Meghalaya during 24th-27th June, 2020.
[Note:Rainfall till 0830 IST of next day.
Legends:
Heavy rain: 64.5-115.5 mm/day; isolated rain , scattered or at a few places rain , at many places or fairly widespread rain  and at most places or wodespread rain ]
Advance of southwest Monsoon
Kindly visit www.imd.gov.in for updates.